Australian animal adaptation to the Australian climate Australian Climate Australia is the driest continent in the world and also home to some of the most unique species known to man. The large interior portion is too dry to support freshwater ecosystems, leaving the coastal fringe condensed with majority of freshwater populations (Moll & Moll 2004; Pittock & Finlayson 2011). Climate in eastern Australia is often determined by whether the southern oscillation index (SOI) is either positive, indicating La Nina climatic conditions or negative, indicating El Nino climate conditions. The SOI is a measure of the variation in air temperature difference between Darwin (Australia) and Tahiti (middle of Pacific Ocean) (Bridgman, H., et al., 2008). In order survive, adapt and thrive in a sub-topical continent that is crossed by the Tropic of Capricorn, where the middle is arid desert and dry plains, an animal has to be very enduring, efficient and ecologically adapted. A range of Australian animals are known and scientifically documented as to have developed morphological adaptations to survive in the Australian climate (Hulme, P. 2005).
Australian animals are exposed to a variable climate, often experiencing extremes of prolonged drought and flash flooding events. Additionally, climate change effects are further pushing these extremes, impacting upon freshwater ecosystems. Chelodinalongicollis have an adaptable metabolic system and have developed morphological features, adapting them to the Australian climate. Their metabolic system allows C. logicollis to survive aestivation and migration in winter and summer. Digestive features of tubular nostrils and well renowned long neck prove advantagous in predation.
Lace Monitor - Eastern Australian Goanna: V.varius
Mallory Owen
The Lace monitor is a currently secure species in Australia and has developed a wide range of adaptions to sustain the ability to live, bread and survive on the eastern coast of Australia. Varanus varius is a top carnivor in its environment and does not require much water other than that provided within its food. This lizard species has the ability to breathe both with and without oxygen and has one of the biggest and most complex lung systems of all lizards. Structural, behavioural and ecological adaptations enable a species to grow and survive in varities of climates that continuously alter and change.
Thorny Devil:
Stephen Lillington
The thorny devil is an iconic Australian lizard native to the arid zones of central Australia. It is host to many unique capabilities such as changing its colour in order to blend in and being the fastest eater of any other lizard. Its most amazing trait however, is the ability to drain water from any part of it's body to it's mouth giving it optimium hydration in times of drought. During the dry season, it rubs up against spinifex bushes in the early morning to collect the due from the stems. This way the thorny devil remains hydrated all year round.
Australian Climate
Australia is the driest continent in the world and also home to some of the most unique species known to man. The large interior portion is too dry to support freshwater ecosystems, leaving the coastal fringe condensed with majority of freshwater populations (Moll & Moll 2004; Pittock & Finlayson 2011). Climate in eastern Australia is often determined by whether the southern oscillation index (SOI) is either positive, indicating La Nina climatic conditions or negative, indicating El Nino climate conditions. The SOI is a measure of the variation in air temperature difference between Darwin (Australia) and Tahiti (middle of Pacific Ocean) (Bridgman, H., et al., 2008). In order survive, adapt and thrive in a sub-topical continent that is crossed by the Tropic of Capricorn, where the middle is arid desert and dry plains, an animal has to be very enduring, efficient and ecologically adapted. A range of Australian animals are known and scientifically documented as to have developed morphological adaptations to survive in the Australian climate (Hulme, P. 2005).
Chelodina longicollis
Eastern long-necked turtle: C. longicollis
Australian animals are exposed to a variable climate, often experiencing extremes of prolonged drought and flash flooding events. Additionally, climate change effects are further pushing these extremes, impacting upon freshwater ecosystems. Chelodina longicollis have an adaptable metabolic system and have developed morphological features, adapting them to the Australian climate. Their metabolic system allows C. logicollis to survive aestivation and migration in winter and summer. Digestive features of tubular nostrils and well renowned long neck prove advantagous in predation.
Lace Monitor - Eastern Australian Goanna: V.varius
Thorny Devil:
The thorny devil is an iconic Australian lizard native to the arid zones of central Australia. It is host to many unique capabilities such as changing its colour in order to blend in and being the fastest eater of any other lizard. Its most amazing trait however, is the ability to drain water from any part of it's body to it's mouth giving it optimium hydration in times of drought. During the dry season, it rubs up against spinifex bushes in the early morning to collect the due from the stems. This way the thorny devil remains hydrated all year round.